The Best Men's Sandals for Beach, City and Travel (2026)
The right pair for the sand, the city street and the long travel day, and what to look for in each.
Last updated: June 2026
The best men's sandal depends on where you are headed. For the beach, choose a water-friendly cushioned slide you can rinse and wear again. For the city, a leather buckle sandal that reads smart-casual. For travel, a rugged outdoor sandal with grip and secure straps that handles long days and rough ground. Pack the one that fits the trip, or all three if you are doing all three. Here is the pick for each.
In this article
- Best sandal by occasion
- Best for the beach
- Best for the city
- Best for travel
- How many pairs to pack
- FAQ
Best sandal by occasion
| Occasion | What to look for | A&W pick |
|---|---|---|
| Beach and pool | Water-friendly, anti-slip, easy rinse | Coastal Slide Sandals, $42.98 |
| City and smart-casual | Leather upper, refined look | Handstitched Leather Buckle Sandal, $44.98 |
| Travel and outdoors | Grip, secure straps, durability | Trail Grip Cowhide Sandal, $54.98 |
Best for the beach: a water-friendly slide
Beach sandals have one job: survive sand and water and still feel good. Look for an anti-slip sole and soft straps that will not rub when wet, and a design you can rinse off and wear straight away. Keep these for the sand, the pool deck and the walk to the bar, where you do not want to worry about ruining good leather.
Anti-slip soles and soft, secure straps built for beach days and casual outings. Rinse and go.
Best for the city: a leather buckle sandal
Walking a city in summer calls for a sandal that looks the part on a terrace and still carries you for miles. A leather buckle sandal is the answer: smart enough for lunch and a gallery, comfortable enough for a full day on your feet. In brown or black leather it sits easily with linen trousers or tailored shorts, so you look intentional rather than like a tourist in pool sliders.
Handstitched genuine leather with a metal buckle. Smart-casual looks that hold up to a full day of walking.
Best for travel: a rugged outdoor sandal
Travel days are unpredictable, so the sandal needs grip, secure straps and a build that shrugs off rough ground and the odd soaking. An outdoor sandal with a cowhide upper and a serious sole handles airports, trails, boat decks and cobbled streets without complaint. If you are packing one pair for an active trip, this is the most versatile choice.
First-layer cowhide and a rugged grip sole that holds up on any terrain, from trails to city streets.
How many pairs to pack
For most summer trips, two pairs cover everything: a leather buckle sandal for the city and dinners, and a water-friendly slide for the beach and pool. Add the rugged outdoor pair only if the trip involves hiking, water sports or a lot of rough walking. Sandals are light and flat, so two pairs barely register in a carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
What sandals are best for walking all day?
A leather buckle sandal or a rugged outdoor sandal with a contoured footbed and secure straps. Both support the foot far better than flat foam sliders over long distances.
Can you wear leather sandals on the beach?
It is better not to. Salt water and sand dry out and damage leather, so keep a water-friendly slide for the beach and save leather for the city.
What sandals should I pack for a holiday?
Two pairs handle most trips: a leather buckle sandal for evenings and the city, and a cushioned slide for the beach and pool. Add an outdoor sandal for active trips.
Are slides good for travel?
Slides are great for the pool, the beach and quick airport stops, but for long walking days a strapped sandal that holds the foot securely is more comfortable.
What is the most versatile sandal for travel?
A leather buckle sandal. It works for the city, dinners and light walking, covering more of a trip than a pure beach or pure outdoor pair.
Packing the rest of the case? See the men's guide to summer shorts and how to choose a men's leather bag for travel.
Pack the right pair
Beach slides, city leather and rugged travel sandals, ready for wherever summer takes you.
Shop men's sandals →